he's been banned from travel in the european union since 2002 after allegations of elections fraud and human rights abuses. he's able to visit the vatican because it's a separate state and not part of the eu. >> while one country may have difficulty with another person or delegation being present, we repeat, we invite no one. we inform. those who wish to come, come and take part in the ceremony. no one is refused. no one is invited. we welcome all who come. >> reporter: hundreds of thousands are expected to come, packing st. peters square, spilling into the streets of rome. 500 priests part of the mass, offering communion, sharing in the historic celebration. jay gray, nbc news, rome. >> thank you very much. closer to home, the republican party issuing a report making an effort to overhaul the party and rehabilitate that image. over the weekend, leading conservative in washington for the annual cpac convention. nbc's chuck todd reports. >> reporter: sarah palin stole the show at this weekend's cpac convention. playing more the role of entertainer and comedian than serious politician. >